M i ss i o n : W o l f
2007
Education vs. Extinction
WOLF VISIONS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
M:W & Wild Wolves
Caretaker of the Year
2
M:W House - Wolfcamps
Arrivals and Farewells
Wolf Caretaker Membership
Fight or Flight- Behavior
Ambassador Wolf ‘07
4
3
5
6
13
16
Raven and Magpie
Magpie at the Grand Canyon
WOLF EDUCATION
EYE TO EYE WITH MAGPIE
2007 marks the 19th year
that Mission:Wolf has offered
people nationwide an eyeeye-totoeye educational experience. In
2006, the Ambassador Wolf
Program completed the longest adventure in our history.
Wolf Magpie, with chauffeurs and interpreters Tracy
and Kent, managed to visit
over 30,000 people spread
across 25 states. Programs
were held at various venues
including schools, museums,
agency offices, businesses and
nature reserves.
Spring ‘06 started with events across the
northwest and a focus on wolf recovery in the
Northern Rockies. By May we were in Arizona working to support the recovery of the
Mexican Wolf.
Summer kept Magpie busy amid daily encounters with visitors and volunteers at the
refuge. In the Fall we started events in upstate
New York and ranged up to Maine.
We worked ourselves south to Cape Cod
& Rhode Island and ended October at our
annual “Friends of M:W” event just north of
New York City.
In early November we stopped for a presentation at the USFWS near Wash., DC before starting a rapid journey south to Florida.
Magpie was the center of attention at the Defenders of Wildlife’s Carnivore Conference,
and public demand across the country for an
experience with nature and a wolf is tremendous.
CoCo-founders Kent Weber and Tracy
Brooks continue to lead the program and have
provided over a million people across thirty
states the opportunity to look into a wolves
eyes at close range – even nosenose-toto-nose.
No video, lecture or book can replace the
feelings a person experiences in the presence of
a live wolf.
Magpie has matured into a confident and
dignified leader. She and her sister Raven were
bred for a movie project but not used. As fourfourmonth old pups they were adopted by M:W
and raised by veteran Ambassador Wolf, Rami.
Magpie’s outgoing and selfself-assured personality around people allows her to lead the program and carry on the legacy of an Ambassador.
However, due to being born in captivity, she is
thus imprinted by humans and cannot be reintroduced into the wild.
Magpie’s presence impresses and inspires
many people and helps to develop compassion
for animals. The future of wolves depends on
the knowledge and respect they receive by our
society as a whole.
Our message is to help people understand
the job wild wolves do to keep nature healthy
and balanced. This understanding is essential
for both the return of wolves and for the protection of many other species’ fragile habitats.
Education vs. Extinction
Page 2
M I S S I O N :W O L F -E D U C AT I O N
VS.
EXTINCTION
Wolf Sanctuary
Sustainability
Hands-on-Learning
Land Conservation
Mission:Impossible
To provide a wolf born
in captivity a future.
To accomplish this feat
we combined three key
ingredients:
Privacy: The sanctuary is located next to
the San Isabel National
Forest far from pavement and people.
Space: Each wolf gets
plenty of room to run,
sleep and hide in a
large enclosure full of
diverse terrain.
Food: Wolves live to
eat and “wolfing down
your food” comes to
life every few days. The
wolves are fed raw
meat on a feast and
famine schedule.
Living & Building
Buildings: Passive solar
designs are crafted from
recycled and local materials.
Solar Electricity: The
refuge & farm generate
their own electricity from
solar panels and wind
mills that charge storage
batteries.
Gravity Water System:
A solar electric pump
fills a storage tank with
crystal clear well water.
Greenhouse: At 9300’
elevation a simple greenhouse supplies staff with
fresh salads and veggies.
Bio-Diesel: A solarpowered processor
converts used veggie oil
into fuel.
Built & Operated by
Caring Volunteers
Community Life: Wolves
attract many diverse
people who have a common
goal—they simply want to
help and in return gain a
personal experience.
2 Hours or Two Weeks:
Bring your own tent & food
and camp near the wolves.
Volunteer on projects as
your time & energy allows.
Two Months+: We provide a tipi and food. You
work as a staff assistant to
feed wolves, lead education
tours, support construction
and maintenance tasks.
Six months+: We provide
a sleeping room, food,
transportation and some
expenses.
A Costly Endeavor
The success of keeping
wolves alive and healthy in
captivity is greatly enhanced with a lot of space
and privacy from people.
M:W has successfully secured nearly 200 acres of
property (including farm).
Friends have secured an
additional 240 acres for
future conservation. To
achieve this feat we placed
ourselves deep in debt
(over $500,000). With support from many people we
have now reduced this
debt to $200,000. Once
our debt is paid in full we
anticipate securing more
property as funds allow.
Our payments are over
$1000/month. Donations
are tax deductible.
A quote from a
4th Grade Classroom
MISSION:WOLF & WILD WOLVES
In the 1980’s the reality of wild wolf recovery in the United States seemed like an impossible
mission. As the Mission:Wolf refuge evolved so did our public outreach efforts. In
I forget what I hear,
1987 we were working in the southwest with the Mexican Wolf. And by 1989 we were in Yellowstone National Park to offer rangers and biologists a chance to learn about wolves firstI remember what I see, hand.
Soon we were in Washington, DC with live wolves working with politicians and
I understand what I touch bureaucrats. At that time there were still less than 2000 wild wolves in the lower 48 states and
most of them were in one state—Minnesota. As resistance to the return of wolves to the
Rocky Mountains grew so did our outreach efforts.
Mission:Wolf
It has been a privilege to witness the return of wild
Education vs Extinction
wolves
to twelve states. Today there are more than
501-c-3 Non-Profit
5000
and
some may be taken off of the Endangered
PO Box 1211,
Species List in specific areas.
80 Sheep Creek Rd.
Our goal is to see captive wolf facilities like M:W
Westcliffe, CO 81252
become obsolete as wild wolves continue to recover in
www.missionwolf.com
new areas. Please support habitat conservation and the
info@missionwolf.com protection offered by the Endangered Species Act.
Wolf Visions
Page 3
V O LUNT EER S— T HE MO R E YO U GIV E
T H E M O R E YO U R E C EI V E .
Years ago some excited visitors asked the
question “what can I do to help?” We
said then that if you were a wolf stuck in
captivity, the answer is simple:
A big home with privacy, companionship
and lots of raw meat.
With enthusiasm people offered to
help build fences and cut up carcasses for
feeding. The next visitor asked how do
they sign-up to volunteer?
We simply answered: “just bring your
tent, food, gloves and boots.” Soon there
Mission:Wolf staff and 2006 SCI International
were so many volunteers that volunteers
were needed to coordinate and teach oth- Workcamp participants flash a smile.
ers. Twenty years later the refuge still operates with a full time volunteer staff that continues to find new ways to improve our work. The old saying is so true— the more you give,
the more you receive.
The refuge will host numerous youth group work camps all summer, including our
18th year of hosting international students participating in a world peace program with
Service Civil International.
C A R E TA K E R O F T H E Y E A R
Each year many people inspire the
staff and directors of M:W as they
leave their mark working at the
refuge or supporting the wolf program. Out of the hundreds of volunteers we’ve had the pleasure to
work with, we continually notice
that one or two people truly stand
out in their dedication to help. We
are honored to recognize these
individuals as people who will always be remembered for their
generosity and passion at M:W.
2006
Carol Kennedy
Carol provides the stability our membership program has needed
for years. As the M:W Membership Director, Carol spends at least
one day a week in our cramped office taking care of merchandise
orders and correspondence with our members.
Carol’s efforts with the Wolf Caretakers helps us keep members up
to date and brings in much needed support to care for the wolves.
It also allows our staff to spend more time working with the wolves
and kid’s groups. Don’t be surprised to find Carol at the end of a
knife preparing food for the wolves.
As a retired Air Force Emergency Room nurse, she has a vast array
of talents and a dependability that is unmatched.
W O L F C A R E TA K E R E X T R A O R D I N A I R E
Irene LaRusso and Piper
Irene LaRusso became involved with Mission:Wolf years ago after attending one of our
educational programs in Greenwich, CT. The program generated lots of support for the local bird rehab organization but left the wolf bus short on funds. Irene was inspired by our
work and recognized our need for funding too. A year later she formed her own group that
she calls the Friends of Mission:Wolf.
For several years, Irene, with the help of her housemate Alice, has hosted one of our
most successful annual events, allowing us to reach a wide array of people in and around
New York City. Irene’s events have single-handedly earned more support for the wolves at
Mission:Wolf than anyone else we know.
Thanks to Irene and Alice, we now have numerous friends and wolf caretakers who not
only support the refuge but who have also opened their lives and homes to care for people
living and working at M:W. Moreover, they have connected the Wolf Bus Program with
foundation support that has become vital in keeping the wolf program alive financially.
Irene provides all of the staff at M:W with inspiration to keep pushing our limits and is
an example to others of how one individual can make a difference. In addition to the enormous amounts of time Irene offers to help she uses her own funds to cover the program setup costs. We send a big howling “Thank You” from all of us at M:W.
Education vs. Extinction
Page 4
GENE’S KITCHEN—A SOLAR-POWERED BUILDING CRAFTED FROM RECYCLED
MATERIALS BY VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES.
Our sustainable community building is at
present receiving the finishing touches. This
unique structure has been built using local
resources and donated & recycled materials.
Numerous volunteers have added their
own touch and have crafted a useful and
needed shelter. This radiant-floor-heated community building contains a large kitchen, dining area, greenhouse, staff & visitor bathrooms, and a loft viewing area.
Newly completed tasks this year include the installation of many kitchen fixtures, including custom built cabinets
(courtesy of Solar Wood), a polished con-
Photo by Jonathan Dimuzio
crete countertop and a commercial
grade stove & hood.
Tiles imprinted with pictures of past
M:W wolves have been fitted above the
kitchen sink. Aspen tongue & groove
woodwork has also been completed
throughout the loft and vaulted ceilings,
giving the building a natural, spacious
feeling.
The recent installation of a
prestigious water boiler (courtesy
of Metro Solar), provides year
‘round hot water for the wolves
and staff.
This facility, with the presence
of a 365/24/7 water supply with
hot showers & flushing toilets in
the winter, creates a new era at
M:W and an end to our fragrant
outhouse.
Still to be completed are the
tiling across the main floor, the
spiral wooden staircase, bookshelves, stools & countertop, a
variety of railings, greenhouse
planters and the main seating area.
The accomplishment of this
copious amount of work is due to
the dedication and hard work of
many volunteers and companies.
We wish to thank you all.
SUMMER WOLF WORKCAMPS
Once again the Mission:Wolf staff is
preparing to accommodate another hardworking summer of wildlife education.
Each year, we’re graced with numerous
folks who contribute their time, energy
and skills operating the refuge and implementing creative projects to maintain and
improve our sustainability.
We have dreamed for years that we
would have a 20-acre playpen for the
wolves. After its fifth year of construction,
with the help of numerous groups, the
primary fence is up and work continues
on upper and ground mesh. The endurance of many individuals to work in high
temperatures on steep slopes with little
oxygen (9300’ elevation) has put us closer
to our overall goal. More materials
($15,000+) are needed to provide volunteers the opportunity to complete the playpen this year.
We have also begun the construction of
a horse barn and fence to aid in our care of
the many horses that we come across. The
barn will include a geriatric wolf care area
and an improved veterinary operation room.
A staff housing loft, solar-powered water
well and septic system will complete this
new structure.
We would like to thank all of the work
camps for their hard work and dedication
last summer. M:W looks forward to another
summer of memorable “hands-on -learning”
experiences.
Student volunteers prepare to
feed the wolves.
Photo by Natalie Garrett
Wolf Visions
Page 5
N E W A R R I VA L S
Lovable Leo
Bradley plays innocent
Rocky rolls over for belly rubs
Many dog shelters have a policy that requires them to euthanize wolf-dogs.
When Leo was received at the Denver
Dumb Friends League he was in poor
shape with tremendous fractures in his
hip and rear leg. After recovery from intensive surgery he was labelled as a
Husky/wolf-dog and was to be put down.
His lovable personality and playful antics
won the hearts of everyone and led him
to find a home at M:W.
As a puppy, Rocky was found outside of
a casino in Las Vegas by a dog rescue
center. They classified him as a wolf-dog
and he was transported to M:W. After
many observations we believed that he
had little to no wolf in him and he was
therefore transferred to the Aspen Animal Shelter where he was recently
adopted by the owner. If you’re interested in animals like Rocky, please contact the Aspen Animal Shelter.
As a pup, Daisy was found wandering outside a
Virginia store. A family rescued her and raised
her as a pet. As she matured she showed many
undeniable wolf characteristics and was unsuitable to keep with a family and children.
A responsible owner flew Daisy from Washington, DC to Denver. Once at M:W we attempted
to place her next to Merlin –a male wolf in need
of companionship. They did not display much
interest in each other so we are working to see if
she and Aspen are more compatible.
As a four-year old, it has taken her months to
adjust to refuge life, and Daisy seems to like
people more than the other wolves.
At first her confusion was obvious as she paced
nervously when the wolves howled.
Now she gets excited and lets out a squeaky
howl of her own.
FAREWELL TO WHISPER
Please join us in celebrating
Whisper’s life. She was born a
black and silver wolf in the
spring of 1993. She spent her
adult years living with her
mate, Aspen, and shared one
of the largest enclosures in the
Daisy the WolfWolf-Dog
A P R I L , 19 9 3 ~ J U LY , 2 0 0 6
sanctuary, full of large trees, steep hills and a
small water spring.
Whisper & Aspen spent most of their days
lounging under a huge old Ponderosa Pine
with a view of the parking area where they
could keep up with all the human activities.
Whisper was a strong-willed and feisty
female and would get testy with the female
staff, yet she was shy around most strangers.
At the ripe age of thirteen (or about two
full wolf lifetimes in the wild!), Whisper
passed quietly during the night of July 22nd,
2006, of natural causes.
Her memory will remain in our hearts forever.
The Crimzon Fund
Mission:Wolf is reaching maturity
as an organization, and so are
many of our resident wolf friends.
Currently over 75% of our residents are 12+ years old and
considered geriatrics.
Contributions of cash and medical
supplies will be dispersed from a
fund established in the honor of
Crimzon, a former M:W resident.
The Crimzon Fund is used for the
future care of all wolves living atMission:Wolf.
Education vs. Extinction
Page 6
MONEY USE: WHERE WE GET IT AND HOW WE USE IT
One of the primary goals in the development of the refuge has been to create a
sustainable facility that operates on solar energy and volunteers so that our limited
funds are available for education and growth.
The final touches are being put on our new community building that, when complete, will greatly reduce the refuge needs of wood and propane. To operate the wolf
program we have managed to get the most out of our bus (six nationwide tours) and
have created a bio-diesel processor to reduce fuel costs.
Our biggest financial burdens continue to be insurance and monthly land payments
(with interest). We feel that the wolf caretaker program feeds the wolves; the sale of
merchandise buys materials; income from donated art makes land payments; program
fees operate the wolf bus; and donations are our life blood.
The resources required to operate a small fleet of vehicles to feed the wolves and
offer nationwide education continues to grow and is often funded by credit cards or
bank loans. Thanks to many generous people our overall debt has decreased by over
50% in the last few years. Once the refuge is free of land & truck payments our only
overhead will be insurance & our daily supplies.
It is our belief that as individuals and foundations understand our importance and
effectiveness, they will join us in helping to secure land and in supporting our educational efforts nationwide. A big “thank-you” to Nancy & Jerry at Sangre Solutions
accounting firm in Westcliffe for a great job in keeping the wolves’ books up to date.
Hurricane strength winds ripped through Colorado
on June 6th, taking down our biggest, newest and
nicest guest tipi and severely damaging another staff
tipi. We also lost over 30 Aspen trees in the wolf
enclosures, causing severe fence damage. Luckily, no
wolves were injured. Currently, our greatest need is
tipi poles & tipi canvasses,
canvasses both new & used.
M E S S A G E A N D I N V I T A T I O N T O A L L W O L F C A R E TA K E R S
Greetings from your Membership
Coordinator. Hi, I’m Carol Kennedy. I
moved here to Westcliffe two years
ago after retiring from nursing. I have
been volunteering at M:W once or
twice a week for two years and have
seen all the seasons come and go. Once
again, we managed to get through another Colorado winter. Our refuge sits
here in the Rocky Mountains at 9300
feet and this winter was VERY snowy.
We had several small snows in November and then on December 18th
our first of the BIG storms hit. By Christmas we had three of
these large snow storms. Along with the snow we had major
winds that kept the roads drifted shut with six to eight feet
drifts. For six weeks I could not get into the refuge, except by
snowmobile. On one trip in, I became stuck in a drift that
was above the top of the window of my Ford pick-up truck.
After digging snow for an hour and then walking ½ mile
back to the refuge, I needed the staff to pull me out with
another truck. Our neighbor to the south allowed us to travel
through their ranch for easier access in both the snow and
mud. Yes, after the snow melted came the mud. And then,
even more mud. It was as bad as the snow. At long last, both
have dried up and things are back to almost normal.
The wolves loved the snow and
were frequently seen romping about
with their mates. Their heavy winter
coats were perfect for our weather. The
staff, on the other hand, didn’t get to
play as much. They all spent much of
their time carrying fresh water to the
wolves daily. It was a hard winter for
the local livestock and many didn’t
survive, so our meat selection was increased, and we had fun serving up
banquets for the wolves. We are now
happy to see the spring come and are
already getting ready for the summer groups to arrive.
...But We Need YOUR HELP!
Our goal this year is to double our membership.
membership You can
help by giving a membership to a friend or perhaps an application for membership to all of your friends (please see page
15). As many of you know, all of the donations go to the care
and feeding of the 30+ beautiful wolves and wolf-dog mixes
that live here at Mission:Wolf. We feed about 1000 pounds
of meat a week, so the term “wolfing it down” fits perfectly.
With your help, we cannot only provide the food, but also
enclosures, medical care and many other wolf needs.
BECOME A WOLF CARETAKER !
Carol Kennedy, Volunteer Membership Coordinator
Wolf Visions
Page 7
Mission:Wolf Thanks!
We want to be sure to thank a few of the many people who have gone out of their way to help us further our mission over the past years.
There are many more than we can possibly name and we trust that you know how much we appreciate your support. M:W could not accomplish what it does without the help of so many generous people. We send our heartfelt gratitude to our new and old wolf caretakers who provide more than just food for the wolves, and to all of our volunteers who have put so much effort into our endless projects. It is only due to
the people of Colorado who donate their deceased livestock and freezer meat that the wolves can thrive. Special thanks to those who provide
the financial means that allow all of the projects and our dreams to become realities. The continual generosity that M:W receives reminds us
that people truly care about wolves and wildlife.
A Big Thank You from the Directors* & Staff of Mission:Wolf to:
Bob & Carol Allison, AlphaOmega Foundation, Matthew & Tara Ash, Aspen Academy, Audobon, Paul Barickman, Kristina Bauerreiss, Bark Busters,
Shauna Baron, Helen Bartlett, Baton Rouge YMCA, Steve Beights*, Kathy Bennett, Blue Mountain Stone, Jenna Bothner, Adriane Bredenberg, Brooke
Family, Tamas Brooks Christman*, Tracy Brooks*, Pam Brown, Wayne Cadden, Canon City Group, Marco Chiodarolio, The Chop Shop, CSU, Jan Conway, CMB, CRAMRA, CU Wildlife Initiative, Curtis Family, Defenders of Wildlife, Jane & Harry Denkers, Christopher & Jonathan DiMuzio, Lynn
Donaldson, Andrew Earley, Cari Ellinghaus, Brian Evans, Jan Fennell, John Frushell, Roger Gano, Dara Garretson, Natalie Garrett, Grandview HS, Graver
MS, Kelly Grennan, Dr. Bill Hancock, Heart Play, Helix, Kevin Honness*, Hough Electric, Adam Katrick, Carol & Bob Kennedy, David & Julie Kreutzer*,
Matthias Langley, Irene LaRusso, Inge Lauwers, Jason Lawrence, Daniel Lazarek, Dr. Lenny & River, Court Lewis, Camille Lierre, Aaron & Nicole Martinez, Matt’s Eagle Scout Troop, Jennifer McCarthy, Rachael Messiter, Metro Solar, Monarch Center, Don Mount, Dr. Karl Musgrave, Charles Musy, Abby
Nelson, George Newell, Shirley & Ron Nickerson, Donna Nives, Patagonia, Josh Pironti, Poag Mahones, The Post, Pikes Peak College, Pizza Express,
Pueblo Circle Program, Pueblo Mt. Camp, Red Empress Foundation, Tim Reed, Rick’s Center, RoadLessTraveled, Royal Marble, Paul & Linda Schutt,
Jeff Schwartz*, SCI/IVS, Science Disco, Andrew Sechrist, Essie Snell, Solar Solutions, Solar Wood, Stacey Sonnenshein, Michael & Sara Stenson*, Dave
Stout, Stucco by Al, Simone & Kim, Sunflower Natural Foods, Synovus, Telluride Academy, Bill Tezak Family, Bob Thomason, Kevin Thorne, Tub Doctor, Valley Ace Hardware, Valley Pipeworks, Jonathan Viel, Dennis Weber, Kent Weber*, WSM, Annie White, Alex Weir, Randy & Sarah Woods*, Alice
Victor , Chase Zellner, Tom Zieber , to name a few...
MISSION:WOLF WISH LIST: Donations of daily supplies help keep operating expenses low. These items are always in demand ~ high quality dog kibble,
stainless steel pails and bowls, working gas range, veterinary items (including vitamins), 8’ chain link fence, 2” steel pipe fence posts, double strand fence wire, 9x12
or larger envelopes, postage stamps, HP 94,95/Canon 40,41 printer ink, laptop computers, flash sticks & 1Gb or more RAM for newsletter computer, Adobe InDesign® /Quark® software, house plants w/hanging planters, Tipis & Tipi Canvas, Solar Batteries & Solar Panels, Hybrid Vehicles, Mercedes, Subaru and other
Diesels for Bio-Diesel use.
R E S O U R C E C O N TA C T S
Defenders of Wildlife
www.defenders.org
National Wildlife Federation
www.nwf.org
Wildlands Project
www.twp.org
Center for Biodiversity
www.biologicaldiversity.org
Predator Conservation Alliance
www.predatorconservation.org
Coalition to Restore the Eastern Wolf
www.restore.org/Wildlife/wolf.html
Mexican Wolf Coalition
www.wolf.org/wolves/learn/learn.asp
Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project
www.restoretherockies.org
Sinapu
www.sinapu.org
U S Fish and Wildlife Service
www.fws.gov
WILDFIRE AWARENESS &
E V A C UA T I O N
Although we have received large amounts of snow this year, the region is still experiencing a severe drought. Ground-water levels are low and we anticipate another
high-level wildfire season. We have thus prepared an evacuation plan, just in case.
However, the reality of sedating and evacuating 30 canines in time is unlikely. We
therefore wish to acquire a reliable & running 4x4 fire truck & 5000 gal water storage tank to protect the refuge & wolves. ($50k+).
In 1905, the poet Jean Marie Rilke
moved to Meudon, France to take a
job as the secretary of the worldrenowned sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
When Rilke told Rodin that he had
not been writing lately, Rodin's advice
was to go to the zoo and look at an
animal until he truly saw it. Here is the
result, translated by Robert Bly:
From seeing the bars, his seeing
is so exhausted that it no longer
holds anything anymore.
To him the world is bars, a
hundred thousand bars, and
behind the bars, nothing.
The lithe swinging of that
rhythmical easy stride
which circles down to the tiniest
hub is like a dance of energy
around a point in which a great
will stands stunned and numb.
Only at times the curtains of the
pupil rise without a sound . . .
then a shape enters, slips through
the tightened silence of the
shoulders, reaches the heart, and
dies.
M:W Ambas
sador Wolves
Page 10
When the Endangered Species Act was introduced in
1973, wild wolves in North America numbered a mere
500—1000 in a total of just two states:
Minnesota and Michigan.
The US Fish & Wildlife Service states: “Before the arrival
of European settlers, wolves ranged widely across the continent, from coast to coast and from Canada to Mexico...Wolves play an important role as predators in the
ecosystem they inhabit. They feed primarily on large mammals, such as deer and elk, removing sick and injured animals from the populations...as the country was settled,
native prey species declined and the numbers of domestic
animals increased. As wolves increasingly turned to livestock for prey, government agencies and private citizens undertook large-scale predator control programs, with wolves hunted nearly to extinction.”
Wild Wolf Range
By 1990, wild gray wolf populations in North America were
recovering in a total of four states:
•
Minnestota~1521
•
Montana~48
•
Wisconsin~34
• Michigan~21
according to the Int’l Wolf Center’s “Gray Wolf Population
Trends in the Contiguous United States” 2006 report. Red
wolf recovery was also underway in North Carolina’s Alligator River Nat’l Wildlife Refuge with 100 red wolves comprising 20 packs. Most ironically perhaps, as bureaucrats
argued endlessly on how to reintroduce a few wolves back
into Yellowstone, 48 wild Canadian gray wolves had already
quietly slipped back into the NW corner of Montana on
their own.
Two years before wild gray wolves were eventually reintroduced into Yellowstone Nat’l
Park and central Idaho in 1996, Colorado State
University conducted a research project funded by
the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
The purpose of the ‘94 study was to determine the
public’s attitudes toward restoration of the gray wolf in
Colorado, which would help bring back the balance to
the trophic cascade*.
Results showed that over 70% of Coloradoans support the restoration of wolves in Colorado.
Yet, over 10 years later, Colorado remains one of the
only western states that has yet to recover this important and highly intelligent ecosystem component.
Please support the recovery of gray wolves in Colorado
by contacting your local and state representatives.
You can help restore the ecological balance both in
Colorado and throughout the US. For more information on how you can help, please visit missionwolf.com
* The term “trophic” refers to various levels of the food chain. A small stream
that flows over a waterfall, dividing over and over again as it flows over ledges
and rocks describes a scattering of water into many “cascades.” The “trophic
cascade” is a different perspective for looking at the traditional food chain of
building an ecosystem from the bottom up, beginning with plant life. A large
carnivore at the top of the food chain works like the small stream, and
through hunting and competition with other species, helps to restore natural
balance to the entire ecosystem.
1970 ~ Present
Page 11
The map to the left illustrates where wild wolves
live today while the map below illustrates the potential wolf recovery range that currently exists in the
lower 48 states. As communities and developers
become more aware that by preserving and enhancing biological diversity their people will live
healthier and fuller lives, they will also recognize
the need to conserve corridors for wildlife migration. Although we have much more to learn, we
are finally able to understand the integral role
wolves play in generating a trophic cascade*, a
cascade that sends the food chain into a
self-sustaining ecosystem that has existed
for thousands of years.
Today, nearly 5000 wild gray wolves roam the
contiguous US in freedom:
Minnesota~3020
Central Idaho~525
Michigan~430
Wisconsin~425
Yellowstone (Idaho)~294
Montana~93
Arizona~15
New Mexico~14
A simple part of the cascade has been demonstrated with the reintroduction
of wolves in Yellowstone. With wolves present again, deer and elk herds are
moved and scattered frequently. This not only strengthens the herd but the
movement is also vital to young tree survival. As elk run from wolves, they
allow baby trees to grow and aerate the ground with their hooves. This provides more shade for grasses to grow and thus yields more water retention in
the ground. The result is cooler water for fish because wolves chase elk.
Wolves also reduce coyote numbers dramatically, which provides more food
for raptors and other small carnivores. The list goes on...and on.
What does the future hold in store for this most intelligent
and compassionate creature?
Each phone call, letter, email or donation contributes to the possible restoration of this noble species.
The map at left represents a future opportunity
that exists; a future where communities understand
the necessity to co-exist with our brothers and sisters as the Native American Indians did, with both
respect and equanimity.
We may even choose to remove a few humancreated barriers and developments that continue to
disrupt wild diversity in the many natural migration corridors..
Should this one day occur after decades of persecution, perhaps the wolves will in turn join us in
celebration of our mutual understanding and long
overdue healing of our own ecosystem with a long
overdue community howl...
Ed uc at i on v s. Ext i nct i o n
Page 12
WHO WATCHES WHOM?
A NEED TO RECOGNIZE BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS BETWEEN PEOPLE AND ANIMALS
Many people are unaware that humans can learn and understand the body
postures that animals communicate with
to
assure their basic survival. This loss of
knowledge produces fear that often results in chaos and injury for both humans and animals.
Hundreds of homeless animal shelters and rescues could be eliminated
Gizmo watches the camera
and suffering reduced if people
learned to exhibit a natural and instinctual way to behave around animals—both domestic and wild.
To assure survival, all creatures have adapted survival mechanisms
unique to their own species and environment to assure survival. There
are many animal-wise people who have adapted their own behavior techniques to mimic or stimulate a predictable response from a specific animal. Some people understand these responses and reactions and are
able to use mimicry to talk with many different species.
These people are often referred to as “whisperers” or “animal communi-
cators.” Both dog and horse trainers continue to develop
different listening and whispering techniques to teach people
how to talk with animals. Primate caretakers, as well as
elephant, dolphin and other mammal trainers are exploring ways to improve their abilities to interpret and converse with animals in a primal and peaceful way.
As people learn to be sensitive and aware of an animal’s mood, it becomes instinctual for them to talk with
their body and convey messages or directions in a clear
manner. By anticipating and challenging an animal’s
movement with precise timing and mimicry, a human is
able to move, direct, stop or calm most any animal.
We trust this information will stimulate you to research
whispering on your own. Animals possess a wide variety of
personalities and require a wide array of communication
techniques.
One of our ultimate goals is to resolve conflict-based
trauma between people and animals.
“WOLFHORSE” ~ INTERCONNECTED LIVES
Who would ever think that wolves and horses have anything in
common? After all, why would they? One is a predator and the
other is dinner, or prey. I intend to demonstrate that at a basic
level they are more similar than one may expect. My new book will
delve more deeply into this idea, but here is an insight into the
world of working with wolves and horses in similar ways.
For nearly twenty years, Kent
has presented live wolves to the
public for education. I work handson, leading the wolves while Kent
directs the audience. We transport,
exercise and handle wolves in demanding public and media venues
nationwide. It is not an easy job to
work with wolves in any situation,
let alone bringing them into large
audiences, in noisy human structures, and out in the moving population.
For years I also studied horse
behavior and while learning to apply it to my own horses I have
Egyptian Arabian horses are
learned
instinctual postures that I
one of the most ancient of
now
use
with wolves. My underthe horse breeds in the
standing of behavior continues to
world. Their behavior and
influence my methods and has radistructure is one based on
survival. Like the wolf is to cally changed how I work with
our domestic dog so is the these intelligent animals.
relationship of this ancient
This was an exciting discovery
breed to many of our domesfor
me,
the interconnected oneness
tic horses of today.
between wolves and horses. I never
planned to practice horsemanship
techniques on wolves until two special gray wolves named Raven and
Magpie came along. They were four
months old and quite timid of people
when we received them. They responded dramatically to the body
posturing, mimicry, pressure/release
timing and intent that I used to calm them—the same behavior
I practice with my horses.
Years later, having logged countless miles walking and running behind these animals, I’ve begun to achieve a stronger
level of true connection with them than I had ever imagined
possible. This now allows me to freely travel with the wolves in
a safer, easier and more comfortable manner. After many personal experiences with both wolves and horses, I am so inspired
that I am driven to write it down and share it with others.
A truly connected and
natural way of working with
animals is being discovered,
and a time is coming when a
deeper understanding of
animals will enrich our lives
more than we have ever
known. My dream is to see
that our work contributes to
this mutual understanding.
By Tracy Ane Brooks
Kent enjoys his morning coffee on
the Pagosa River while Magpie
enjoys a morning howl.
Page 13
Wolf Visions
WE ALL DO IT—FIGHT OR FLIGHT
P R E DATO R O R P R E Y — I T ’S S U RV I VA L
Wolves and Horses, two opposing species,
predator and prey, wild and domestic, both
evolved to excel in opposite behaviors: one to
hunt & fight and the other to run in flight.
For two decades, we’ve worked with dogs,
wolves, and horses on a daily basis. We’ve
observed many other trainers work with animals as well and believe that at a basic level,
regardless of how different the species, we all
possess equal levels of fight or flight instincts.
Our root foundation is one and the same. For
many years, we’ve repeatedly seen fight and
flight within the foundation of both species–
wolf and horse. Although predator and prey
respond to opposite survival instincts they are
both quadrupeds. All quadrupeds (creatures
with four limbs) have an instinctual and intui-
tive ability to communicate between species
with basic body posture. Humans have become so dependent on written and oral
communication that many are oblivious to
basic body posture. This silent communication has been largely lost.
While wolves will run in flight as a defense mechanism, just the same as a horse,
horses will fight—sometimes to the death.
Most horses are of course exclusively herbivores, but one of our horses, Passion, has
gone through stages of aggressive behavior.
For a long time she would charge and roll
any moving creature smaller than herself
that she could get her hooves on. She killed
chickens and even had an attempt on a dog
who chased her and bit her in the belly.
This is
where
nearly half a lifetime living with captive
gray wolves and studying wild wolf
behavior, as well as studying top dog
trainers, has helped us comfortably
apply the same principles back and
forth from wolves to horses and back
to wolves. Each animal is an individual, just like people, and its important
to recognize that what works for one
animal may need to be modified for
the next.
By Tracy Ane Brooks & Kent Weber
THE LUNGE CIRCLE
In order to better serve wild wolf education, we strive to deliver presentations with wolves
that demonstrate calmness and confidence, allowing the wolves to behave as naturally as possible; yet we also need the ability to keep up with them. It is no easy job working with wolves
in the public, and traveling long distances requires sacrifice on both humans and animals.
Wolves are naturally shy animals; they typically avoid
or run away from scary objects just as horses do. Running wolves are much more powerful than a dog on a
leash. If they decide to change direction, the handler
Maggie and Raven circle around Kent
has no control and often lands hard on the ground.
Similar to a thousand pound horse that has no training while exploring a river in New York.
Maggie’s pace is nearly twice that of Raand decides to drag a person, there is no stopping it.
ven’s as she circles around us both—note
However, by using simple body posture, a person can how Raven has learned to jump Maggie’s
direct the motion in a controlled and productive way
lead as it passes her.
that allows the animal to release its need for explosive
The lunge is helpful to the handler and physical movement that is manageable and does not endanger people or the animal.
provides clear leadership. Note how
For years, horse trainers have used a technique known as the lunge. It is the simple act of
both horse & wolf strides are in time
controlling a horse’s movement in a repetitious circling motion in which the trainer decides
with the leader, Tracy.
when the horse is to stop, start, run, trot, walk and turn. Although this can be achieved with a
lead rope, it is possible to accomplish the same results by using body posture for communication. This allows the animals to work out their fear of objects and develops a trusting bond
between the person and the animal, allowing the animal to view the human as a worthy leader.
While exercising wolves during transportation, Tracy developed a modified lunge technique
as a method that allows the wolves to release their natural wild energy with great success. During a two mile walk by the handler, the wolves can often cover several miles on their own as
they trot at a five to seven mile an hour pace. Before lunge work is successful, the handler needs
to establish some basic communication signals and develop a truce between the animal and the
rope or leash. This truce now becomes a second form of communication as people learn to improve body posture signals and reinforce them with a gentle form of pressure & release on a lead rope.
This is similar to the training used to get a horse to accept a bit. The goal is to get the horse to listen with a fingertip touch that
eliminates the rider’s need to jerk the reigns firmly and hurt the horse’s mouth. With wolves, this also allows a communication technique that helps stop the wolf from jerking the handler and it’s own neck in the process.
Education vs. Extinction
Page 14
Shirley Nickerson
Jennifer McCarthy greets Sabretooth
Feeding 30+ hungry wolves at dinner time can be a daunting task. But
thanks to people like Shirley, the task is made easier. Shirley collects old
freezer meat from people and then stores it in her many freezers. On
many occasions, she will drive her truckloads of meat from her home in
Denver down to M:W. She also helps other carnivore sanctuaries in the
state. Shirley’s Carnivore Care Wagon is dedicated to the feeding and
care of all of our captive wildlife. SCCW is a non profit 501©(3).
People that are interested in wolves often own or like
dogs too. Many dog trainers have discovered that there is
a direct relation between wolf and dog behavior and use
this understanding to train dogs more easily. This year we
have had several dog trainers visit us to study the wolves
to gain a better understanding of their cousins, the dogs.
Rachael Messiter came all the way from England and
works with Jan Fennell-the Dog Listener. Ambassador
wolf Magpie ventured to the annual Bark Busters Conference where Magpie lived it up as she walked into a room
with 200 dog trainers and lovers. After the conference,
over 40 Bark Buster trainers ventured down to M:W to
observe the rest of the pack.
Jennifer McCarthy, “World Class Dog Trainer,” also
came to volunteer and study the wolves to learn how far
the dog has evolved from them. Jennifer demonstrated
how, through domestication, dogs have become more
humanlike and less like the wolves. The M:W staff picked
up training tips that help all of us work more consistently
with the resident and rescue wolf-dogs. Jennifer donated
her time and vehicle to transport Rocky to Aspen Animal
Shelter. She also did some training to prepare him for a
life in a home. All of these people have contributed time
& money to help Mission:Wolf-Thanks!
Animal Lover Stolen From This Earth
Many knew Ron Nickerson for his love of cars. We at Mission: Wolf
knew him for his love of animals. We first met Ron with his wife Shirley
when she brought up some old freezer meet to
help feed the wolves. Before long, Shirley was
bringing us meat by the truckloads, and Ron
was helping us with our mechanical needs. Ron
and Shirley soon became part of the M:W family
and even befriended many of our international
volunteers, inviting them up to their home.
Ron’s love for the wolf was remarkable and they
loved him back as well. Magpie loved his full
beard as it surely reminded her of another wolf.
Sadly, Ron was ripped from this world on May
11, 2006. He was shot at his shop Two
Maggie greets Ron Nickerson
Brothers Automotive in Englewood.
Ron will be sadly missed by us two-legged and four-legged alike. Despite
losing her husband, Shirley has battled on and still brings us truckloads
of meat for the wolves.
www.janfennellthedoglistener.com
www.barkbusters.com
www.jmdogtraining.com
W AY S T O H E L P M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E I N L I F E !
LIVING IN BALANCE
Necessity as the mother of invention has proven itself true at the Mission:Wolf refuge. Due to our remote location we have had to
design and implement basic systems of operation: water, electricity, heating, food production and waste disposal. These systems
have been designed to contribute to the health and vitality of our natural surroundings. Healthy local environments are the backbone for a healthy planet.
For more information on how to LIVE IN BALANCE contact or visit M:W. For technical support and product information contact
these other helpful sustainable living organizations or keyword “sustainable living” in your internet search engine:
Jade Mountain/Real Goods Broomfield, CO “Building A Sustainable World Since 1978”
Solar Solutions Ltd.
Silver Cliff, CO “Renewable Energy Systems”
•
•
www.gaiam.com/realgoods
www.solarsolutions.com
Be sure your political representatives know that
you support wolf recovery
•
Demonstrate compassion for all animals (people too!)
•
Teach others about wolves and replace fears with facts
Help Mission:Wolf and become a Wolf Caretaker
•
Help conserve wildlife habitat at Wildlife Refuges & Nature Centers
Wolf Visions
Page 15
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
AN UPDATE ON VETERAN M:W VOLUNTEERS
Joey Chase
In the late ‘80s, Ambassador Wolf Shaman made numerous appearances across
the southwest to support the return of the
Mexican Wolf. Joey came to work with the
wolves as part of an Arizona high school
project with his teacher, who had met Shaman. Joey completed the project and after
graduation came to volunteer at M:W. He
ultimately spent around five years caring
for the wolves, built a tiny cabin and helped
the refuge secure 35 acres of land. Today
Joey can be found enjoying life with his wife
and two boys in Florida. Joey was always a
coffee connoisseur and dreamed of creating
a coffee company long before the arrival of
Starbucks. In 2006, Joey opened up the first
Volcano Coffee Shop and has already established several franchises across Florida. Ambassador Wolf Magpie and the wolf bus
made a stop at his first franchise store for a
sample while on tour last November. For
some great coffee, visit: www.Volcano.com
Magpie rolls in the grass at Volcano Coffee
Shop. Joey Chase, with son Clark, educates
staff about wolves.
B E C O M E A W O L F C A R E TA K E R
Besides the satisfaction of knowing the wolves are
Which wolf would you like to sponsor? (please circle)
well fed and happy, a caretaker receives a 1 Year
Membership, including:
Aspen, Aurora, Beorn, Daisy, Druid, Ghostdancer,
•
8x10 full color photo of your wolf
Gizmo, Guinness, Hina, Kawh, Kestral, Lily,
•
Your wolf’s biography
Luna, Magpie, Merlin, Mowgli, Ned, Nyati, Obediah,
•
A personalized certificate
Orion, Polar Bear, Rami, Rasta, Raven, Rogue,
•
A Mission:Wolf logo sticker
Sabretooth, Selway, Skinny, Soleil, Spirit, Tierra
•
A subscription to the M:W newsletter
Name: ______________________________
$25.00
Student/Senior
$40.00
Individual
Address: ____________________________
$100.00
$500.00
Family, Group or School
Patron
Email:_______________________________
$1000.00
Feed A Pack
Please send cash or checks to:
Mission:Wolf
PO Box 1211
Westcliffe, CO 81252
For credit card orders and other gifts including shirts, totes, mugs and more, please visit our web store.
100% of all profits from the M:W on-line store support the refuge:
www.missionwolf.com/store
As a small sanctuary, we’re not able to purchase and stock many gifts. Now, thanks to Cafepress.com, you can
purchase hundreds of items with your favorite Mission:Wolf resident. 20% of all Cafepress profits go to M:W.
www.cafepress.com/missionwolf
EDUCATION ~ AMBASSADOR WOLF ‘07
The Wolf Bus, along with Ambassador Wolf Magpie, will make limited
appearances across the northeast this fall.
After years of traveling and providing
over one million people an experience
with a wolf, we have started to limit our
travel time. Several factors contribute to
this decision. First and foremost, several
of the resident wolves are now geriatric
and benefit greatly by daily care from the
people who raised them.
Secondly, important projects at the
refuge require our energy and focus so
we can continue to improve the facilities.
MISSION:WOLF
PO Box 1211
Westcliffe, CO
81252
Thirdly, on December 13, 2006, Kent
fell from a ladder and required the service
of a flight for life helicopter. The fall resulted in a myriad of broken bones, a
punctured lung and several weeks of complete immobilization.
A series of winter storms complicated
the matter by snowing in the refuge and
forcing the staff to commute food & supplies in sleds & snowmobiles. After a long
winter, Kent is nearly healed and has been
able to return to daily life just in time for
a busy summer of youth groups and visitors.
The Wolf Bus will make limited travels in Colorado only this Spring. In October, due to popular demand, the wolf program will set out for a short tour of New
England.
Please visit our web site for more details:
www.missionwolf.com
“To truly see the animal in yourself - you must
first strip away all preconceived notions about
what you think you know or have learned. To
listen to animals is an experience in learning to
listen to yourself. As we silently watch them and
study their behavior, they teach us respect. In a
natural and trusting way, animals are mirrors
that we are just beginning to see. Most importantly these animals remind us of our own natural connection to the wild planet earth.”
- Tracy Ane Brooks
NonNon-Profit Org.
US Postage Paid
Westcliffe, CO
Permit # 20